DOGMA 25

Photo: Konstantin Bock

DOGMA 25: Jesper Just and four other defiant filmmakers embark on a rescue mission for cinematic storytelling

Thirty years ago, Lars von Trier, Thomas Vinterberg, Søren Kragh-Jacobsen and Kristian Levring launched a manifesto called DOGMA 95 that would forever reshape the world of independent and art house film. Last weekend in Cannes, a groundbreaking announcement was made: Five of Denmark’s most daring filmmakers will reignite the movement to protect the artistic integrity of the feature film—taking up the torch to question the medium once more.
Dogma 95 prioritized authenticity, requiring directors to use handheld cameras and natural light, and banning the use of genre conventions. The 10-point “vow of chastity” was embodied in 212 feature films in Denmark and abroad, notably “The Celebration,” “The Idiots,” and “Italian for Beginners”. The manifesto inspired a wave of filmmakers across the globe to focus on story, character, and realism. Beyond aesthetics, Dogma 95 also helped redefine auteurship in the digital age, asserting that bold vision and minimal means could still create powerful, resonant cinema.

Director May el-Toukhy initiated DOGMA 25, and together with directors Milad Alami, Annika Berg, Isabella Eklöf, and Jesper Just, developed ten new dogmas to be followed in response to the current state of the film industry today. Supported by Zentropa (the film production company founded by Peter Aalbæk Jensen and Lars von Trier), the manifesto addresses creative freedom as well as movements towards a fairer and more sustainable mode of making cinema.

They write in the Manifesto:
“In a world where formulaic films based on algorithms and artificial visual expression are gaining traction, it is our mission to stand up for the flawed, distinct, and human imprint. We champion the uncompromising and unpredictable and we fight against the forces working to reduce cinematic art to an ultra-processed consumer product.”

The full manifesto can be viewed below.

The gallery congratulates Jesper Just and his fellow directors on this remarkable act.